Youngs: Exciting times for England

England's caretaker coach Stuart Lancaster is set to ring the changes when he announces his 32-man Six Nations squad on January 11.

Speculation is rife that veterans like Mike Tindall, Nick Easter and Mark Cueto could miss out on selection.

And 22-year-old Youngs is set to be named as one of the scrum-halves in what is likely to be a revitalised England team of twenty-somethings.

Players like Ben Foden, Chris Ashton and Courtney Lawes, are also virtual certainties after impressing at the World Cup while other youngsters like Gloucester wing Charlie Sharples and Northampton flanker Tom Wood are also set to be named.

Youngs admits that playing in a team of young and up-and-coming players is a tantalising prospect.

"I think it will be very exciting, if that is the way we're going," he told the Daily Mail.

"There are so many talented youngsters around the country and with Stu (Lancaster) in charge, if we're directed in the right way hopefully we can play a great brand of rugby - exciting stuff. New faces always bring a new buzz and a new energy.

"Because it is a clean slate, everyone is intrigued to see what is going to happen - how we're going to play and who's going to play.

"Even someone like Floody (Toby Flood), who has got 40-odd caps now, is as excited as anyone else about what's going to happen with England. I just hope I'll be involved," he added.

Although he should be in the squad, Youngs faces a battle for the the number nine jersey with Harlequins' in-form scrum-half Danny Care. But he is prepared for his rival's challenge.

"Danny is a great player and has been playing really well," said Youngs.

"It's always going to be a strong rivalry and that's good for both of us. There are a lot of good nines around at the moment and a lot of good back-rowers too. I'm happy with how my game is going, I've just got to keep working hard."